Abstract Detail

Recent Topics Posters

Poulos, Helen [1], Thorhaug, Anitra [1], Mysliwiec, DAra [2], ku, Tim C. [2], Lopez-Portillo, Jorge [3].

Mangrove organic carbon gains and losses with pollution in Gulf of Mexico Florida vs. Mexico.

Mangroves form almost 700,000 ha estent in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). They provide an excellent naturally-occurring carbon sink due to their ability to accrete sediment while creating  biomass and nutrient investments both above- and below-ground, with rates of carbon burial exceeding those of other marine vegetation and terrestrial forests. A recent study shows near 200 Tg organic carbon stock in GoM.  Mangroves ecosystems are disappearing at an unsustainable  rate in the GoM. Mangrove restoration increases the area of mangrove cover sequestering carbon, with high potential for offsetting carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. This study estimated carbon stocks in natural and restored mangrove soils in two regions around the Gulf of Mexico, in Veracruz, Mex. and South Florida, U.S.A. Various fluxes were found and  carbon losses due to pollution varied significantly (P < 0.05) by pollution type and species particularly compared to controls of naturally-occurring mangrove carbon stocks. On average, sites in Florida lost 9.44 Mg C ha^-1 with pollution, and Veracruz sites lost 40.29 Mg C ha^-1.We found that restoration had the potential for recapturing C on average, and that active mangrove planting had the potential to restore  more carbon in upper sediment layers than pre-existing adjacent natural stocks, gaining 21.33 Mg C ha^-1. These sites showed trends of active mangrove seedling planting resulting in faster carbon burial rates than passive recolonization, suggesting that the ability for mangroves to naturally recolonize might  serve as an indicator of potential large scale planting sites for more active forms of mangrove restoration to offset carbon footprints by sequestering mangrove blue carbon.

1 - Yale University, 1359 SW 22 Terrace, Miami, FL, 33145.0, United States
2 - WEsleyan University , College of the Environment, 45 Wyllys Avenue, , Middletown , ct, 06457
3 - Carretera Antigua A Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, Veracruz, 91070, Mexico

Keywords:
mangroves 
Mangrove GoM blue carbon stock.

Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P, Recent Topics Posters
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT016
Abstract ID:1303
Candidate for Awards:None